FAQ

In addition to answers to questions, the FAQ section also contains other topics of interest, such as medical studies pertaining to chiropractic, nutrition, and other health-related issues. 

Question:  Dr. Manison, I have sometimes heard that there is an increased risk of stroke with chiropractic manipulation.  Is there any truth to this?

Answer:  This is a great question that has remained truly  unanswered until now.  In February, 2008, a conclusive study was published in Spine (a medical journal, not a chiropractic journal) that basically put this issue to rest.  It involved 109 million case studies over a 9 year period.  The verdict is clear:  Chiropractic manipulation is safe and does not increase your risk for stroke any more than care from your primary care doctor.  Being that chiropractic care is safe, effective, and more conservative than most forms of medical intervention for neck pain, headaches, etc..., you should consider chiropractic care at the top of your list for such issues. Please follow the link below to see the abstract on pubmed for this study.

Risk of Vertebrobasilar Stroke and Chiropractic Care: Results of a Population-based Case-control and Case-crossover Study.

Question:  Dr. Manison, I recently went to a chiropractic office where they insisted on taking many x-rays and then proceeded to schedule me for 3 times a week for 6 weeks, then 2 times a week for 6 weeks, and then told me they'd do an evaluation and determine the rest of my care plan at that time.  Is this a normal care plan?

Answer:  NO, this is unequivocally not a normal care plan.  In regards to x-rays, many chiropractors still take them.  Sometimes there is a need, but most times there is not.  I prefer to send out for x-rays and/or MRIs when there is a medical need for such.  Exposing patients to radiation is not always warranted.  In addition, given that I implement the Cox technic and a lot of advanced soft tissue techniques, often times I prefer MRIs as x-rays do not tell us about discs or soft tissues. 

In regards to the treatment plan, we do not practice this way.  Each patient's care plan is specifically geared toward his/her needs.  Any office that has cookie cutter treatment plans is most likely not properly addressing your individual needs.  Although, on occasion, injuries are severe enough to warrant 3 treatments a week (or more), most often being treated this frequently is not necessary.  Certainly, 3 treatments a week for long periods of time should not be necessary.  In addition, how can a provider know how long it is going to take to resolve your issues?  I question how any provider can schedule a patient out 12 weeks on the first visit.  Treatment plans should be made according to your needs and progress.  Anything less is likely not a proper approach to your condition(s).

Question:  Dr. Manison, the last chiropractor I saw treated me for my low back pain.  He did help me a decent amount, but he recommended that I continue care weekly to maintain those results.  He said that I'd likely need to receive care for years.  Is it necessary for me to need continual care for years to come?

Answer:  The answer to this question is a resounding 'NO'!  The job of the chiropractor is help the patient with their musculoskeletal problem(s) and teach them how to take care of themselves so that they will not need continual care.  Too many chiropractors are not trained in advanced soft tissues techniques and/or rehabilitative/stability exercises.  Because of this, their ability to help the patient is limited.  This limitation means that the patient will need excessive care and will not truly achieve optimal results.  A chiropractor should not only be well-versed in the treatment of the joints, but also in the soft tissues and how to address them properly in order to maximize patient results. 

Question:  Dr. Manison, my primary care doctor advised me to avoid activity and rest until the pain in my low back goes away.  The problem is that I have had recurring low back for years.  You advise improving biomechanics and restoring proper movement mechanics. I'm a little confused...which is better for me?

Answer:  Unfortunately, too many doctors who do not have proper training in a specific area of study offer their opinions without any factual basis.  This is bad for the patient as lack of proper care can result in complications going forward.  Just as you wouldn't want to see a chiropractor for a kidney problem, you'd be better served listening to a chiropractor when it comes to neuromusculoskeletal issues.   See the abstract below regarding this topic...it supports what I am referring to.

Doctors with a special interest in back pain have poorer knowledge about how to treat back pain.